The Ultimate Hiccups Quiz

Hiccups can very quickly become annoying. There are as many different cures for hiccups as there are causes. Would you like to learn more about how the hiccups work and how to get rid of them? Have a go at this quiz and see how much you know about the hiccups.

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Question 1 of 20

How long must you have hiccups for before they can be labeled as persistent hiccups?

one hour

24 hours

48 hours

Persistent hiccups is the term given to hiccups that last for at least 48 hours. After a month of the hiccups, they are referred to as intractable hiccups. Hiccups can be serious and even fatal, so make sure you see a doctor if you have persistent hiccups.

Question 2 of 20

What is the earliest age you can develop hiccups?

as a fetus

Fetuses may hiccup in the womb before their lungs are fully developed. This could be why many premature babies spend 2.5% of their time hiccupping, which is a lot more than full-term babies hiccup.

as a baby

as a toddler

Question 3 of 20

What time of the day are you most likely to hiccup?

morning

noon

evening

You are most likely to get hiccups in the evening.

Question 4 of 20

What affects hiccups in women?

their BMI

their menstrual cycle

Women are more likely to get hiccups in the first two weeks of their menstrual cycle. This is why pregnant women get hiccups a lot less than non-pregnant women. Stress can bring on hiccups in both women and men.

dehydration

Question 5 of 20

Which nerves control the diaphragm?

phrenic nerves

Movement and sensation of the diaphragm are controlled by the phrenic nerves. Irritation to these nerves causes the diaphragm to spasm, making the person take a quick, short breath. The epiglottis, a flap that protects the glottis in the windpipe, closes suddenly and creates the hiccup sound.

vagus nerves

occipital nerves

Question 6 of 20

What is one of the main causes of irritation of the phrenic nerves?

exercise

over-eating

When the stomach is very full and becomes distended, it may press against the phrenic nerves and irritate them.

inhaling dust

Question 7 of 20

What type of foods can bring on hiccups?

sweet

sour

spicy

Spicy foods are particularly irritating to the phrenic nerves. Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, temperature changes such as having a hot drink or going out into the cold and emotional changes such as stress, excitement or shock can also affect hiccups.

Question 8 of 20

Which of the following can be a cause of persistent hiccups?

surgery

mental health problems

both of the above

There are hundreds of causes of hiccups, but they mostly can be categorized into five main areas: surgery, anesthesia, mental health problems, metabolic problems and central nervous system problems.

Question 9 of 20

According to the Guinness Book of Records, how long did the longest bout of hiccups last?

28 years

48 years

68 years

Charles Osborn earned himself the title in the Guinness Book of Records after 68 long years of hiccupping.

Question 10 of 20

Which process in the body do many hiccup treatments aim to alter?

the respiratory cycle

Many hiccup treatments aim to interrupt the respiratory cycle. It is thought that increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood can distract the body from hiccupping and focuses it on increasing oxygen levels.

the cardiovascular system

the lymph system

Question 11 of 20

Applying pressure to which of the following is used as a treatment for the hiccups?

the fingers

the head

the eyeballs

Applying pressure to the eyeballs is a medical maneuver used to stop persistent hiccups. Pressure may also be applied to the back of the neck and the carotid sinus found in the neck.

Question 12 of 20

One remedy of getting rid of the hiccups is to swallow a spoonful of what?

sugar

A spoonful of sugar is used as a remedy for the hiccups.

salt

paprika

Question 13 of 20

Where in your mouth should you place a spoonful of sugar to cure the hiccups?

on the tip of the tongue

at the back of the tongue

Place the sugar at the back of the tongue. This is where sour is tasted on the tongue. Placing sweet there may overload the vagus nerve so the brain will focus on that and stop the hiccups.

under the tongue

Question 14 of 20

Which part of the body might you put your fingers in to stop the hiccups.